Flooring Options Do’s and Don’ts

May 16, 2017 4:38 am

If you’re finding yourself on the fence as to which type of flooring that you should choose for your home, it’s well worth drawing up a strategy for the decision making process. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts that you should stick by when considering your flooring options, guiding you as you consider the various alternatives and steering you towards the best solution.

DO: Hire a professional floor installation company. Considering the fact that flooring is a large investment of time and money, scrimping on installation costs can be a significant risk. It’s worth getting quotes from at least one flooring company, and investigating with them as to how they can help you along with this process.

DON’T: Go the DIY route. Even if you’re on a tight budget, don’t be tempted to install the flooring yourself. If you make a mistake, you’ll end up doubling your costs.

DO: Consider the layout of your home. By opting for the same flooring for every area in your home, it will create a clean, organized and more spacious appearance.

DON’T: Disregard the architectural integrity of your house. You don’t want to end up having to spend more money on repairs later on.

DO: Consider the climate/weather in your area. When trying to decide on what type of flooring to choose, always consider the impact of the local weather on your floor. Humid and damp weather can cause warping in hardwood.

DON’T: Overlook the impact of wear and tear to your new flooring. When installing new floors on a high traffic area, always pick a material that is tough and durable. Laminate may work for bedrooms but won’t last long in kitchens. Ceramic tile is also prone to chipping.

DO: Choose comfortable flooring materials. This is especially true if you have young kids or pets in your home.

DON’T: Choose a material that may contribute to household air pollution. Carpet and vinyl flooring have been found to emit VOCs for up to 72 hours from installation. If you choose either of these, make sure to keep the windows open for 3 days after installation. It’s also best not to stay indoors during this period.

DO: Use carpet if you like a cozy feel and look to your home. Carpet costs less than hardwood and high quality ceramic, and installation is also cheaper thanks to how it can be done faster.

DON’T: Use carpet if you have allergies. Carpet can aggravate allergy symptoms due to its tendency to house dirt, dust and mold. If you wish to install carpet floors, it’s wise to vacuum it at least once a week and use a professional carpet cleaning service at least once every year.

DO: Pick hardwood if you’re looking for a durable, beautiful and long-lasting flooring. If your budget permits, you may be better off choosing solid hardwood as it can really increase the resale value of your home. It also requires very little maintenance. Even those who find solid hardwood a little too expensive can opt for engineered hardwood, which is less expensive but retains a superior aesthetic.

DON’T: Install hardwood in an area that is often exposed to moisture and/or standing water. This includes the basement, patio and bathrooms.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to carefully consider the different factors that may have an impact on the type of flooring you choose. While the whole process can be a daunting task for anyone, with a need to combine practicality with personal preference, enough research and careful planning will bring you to the right decision.

In essence, you’ll need to consider how much traffic the floor will receive, the size of your household, how long you want your floor to last, how much money you’re willing to spend, and whether or not you’re willing to put in time and effort to clean your floors on a regular basis. The climate in your designated area is also a crucial consideration, as this will affect the longevity of the surface to a great extent.

Hopefully the tips that we’ve outlined here can guide you in choosing the best flooring for your home, and steer you through a peaceful, knowledgeable decision making process.

Kidal D. is author at LeraBlog. The author's views are entirely his/her own and may not reflect the views and opinions of LeraBlog staff. Chief editor and author at LERAblog, writing useful articles and HOW TOs on various topics. Particularly interested in topics such as Internet, advertising, SEO, web development, and business.